When you’re camping, it’s almost impossible to predict the weather. And the last thing you want is to have to abandon your family camping trip because your tent broke in the wind, or flooded in the rain, or some other miserable mishap.
The best family tents for bad weather ultimately do two things. Firstly, they hold the worst weather at bay. And secondly, they give you confidence that they’ll hold the worst weather at bay! (We’ve all lain awake in a tent, anxious that it holds up — no more of that!!)
While all tents should be built to face bad weather, we’ve sorted the wheat from the chaff and gathered ten outstanding tents that you can have real confidence in.
Best Family Tent for Bad Weather
- Kodiak Canvas “Flex-Bow” – Bombproof tent suitable for 4 seasons (only downsides being how heavy and expensive it is)
- Core 9 Instant Cabin Tent – Great value family tent; sides down when the sun’s out and sides up when it’s raining
- Alps Mountaineering “Lynx 4” – Lighter smaller family tent that will stand firm in most conditions
- Browning BigHorn – Available in 2 sizes and, being able to withstand 40mph gusts, arguably the best family tent for windy conditions
Other really good family tents for wind and rain include the NTK Arizona GT and Alps Mountaineering Camp Creek. You can check out the detailed reviews below…
Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Tent Review — Best Family Tent for Bad Weather
Specs
It’s an eight-people, four-season tent, made with Hydra-Shield cotton canvas. The tallest point is 6.6 feet, and it measures 10 feet by 14 feet in size with a weight of 79 pounds.
The Verdict
For my best bad weather family tent choice, I couldn’t get past the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe. It’s suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a family trip or a weekend at the hunting ground. It can comfortably house up to eight people, which is perfect for the average family of four.
You can use it through rain and sunshine — Kodiak Canvas made the exterior using marine-grade material. It’s a custom woven canvas, treated with a silicone dry-finish, to ensure a waterproof refuge.
The finished result is highly durable and breathable, making the tent more comfortable to stay in. The fabric allows vapors to escape, which, in turn, minimizes the chances of condensation, mugginess and high humidity.
For those windy days, holding up the canvas are 1-inch tubing and spring steel rods. This combo keeps the tent tight and strengthens its stability in windy conditions. This would’ve been great on my last trip, where the wind nearly ruined the trip.
Another amazing detail is the high 6.6-foot ceiling. By the door, Kodiak Canvas included an 84-inch by 78-inch awning, creating a covered protection area before you enter the spacious inside.
One must-have feature for me is additional storage space, of which this tent has plenty. Included in this is a customizable gear loft, as well as organizer pockets.
In Summary
The Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe Tent is the best overall for families who want comfortable accommodation in any weather. It’s not the lightest, weighing in at 79 pounds when wrapped up, so it’s not an ideal backpacking tent. Having said that, it’s perfect for families, as it can house up to eight people.
With weatherproof materials and a waterproof floor, you can travel during any season. There are lots of storage options, which is another essential feature when camping with children — you know how things get lost.
One con, however, is the price tag. It’s not the most budget-friendly option, but with durable materials, it’s likely to hold up for at least a few years. You may want to re-treat it once a year with a silicone seal to ensure it remains waterproof.
Browning Big Horn – Best Family Tent for Windy Conditions
Specs
The Browning Big Horn comes in two versions. One measures 10 by 15 feet, has a center height of 7′ 3″ and is rated for 8 people. The other measures 8′ x 10′, has a center height of 7′ and is rated for 5 people.
| Floor Space | Weight | Doors | Windows | |
| Big Horn 5 | 8×10 (80sq feet) | 21lbs | 1 | 4 |
| Big Horn 8 | 10×15 (150sq feet) | 35lbs | 2 | 6 |
The Verdict
Browning Camping describes the Big Horn Tent as a “home away from home,” and I can’t disagree with that. You’ve got loads of space to play around and even a detachable room divider.
The main reason we think this is the best family tent for windy conditions is because it’s one of the few tents we’ve ever seen where the manufacturer has posted a video of it being tested!
The Bighorn can withstand winds up to (and possible above) 40mph.
The straight walls add a lot more interior room. It allows more space for several sleeping bags, cots and even two queen-sized air beds, with room to move around.
One of the main features is the freestanding design. Despite its large size, this little detail makes it incredibly easy to set up. It’s stable, too — even in harsh conditions, it’s able to withstand wind and rain.
The poles and uprights are durable and won’t crack under pressure. To keep any heavy rain out, the manufacturer equipped it with factory-sealed seams on the fly and floor.
To prevent a floppy fly, it comes with weatherproof buckles, allowing you to adjust the fit according to the weather. These are easy to use, even while you’re facing heavy winds.
Where to buy…
You should be able to pick up a Browning Big Horn in any of the following stores:
- Check out prices on Amazon >>
- Check out prices at Campsaver >>
- Check out prices on Sportsman’s Warehouse >>
- Check out prices on Optic’s Planet >>
In Summary
Freestanding tents are amazing, and the Browning Camping Big Horn is the perfect example of how well they perform. Browning Camping used the best materials to ensure it won’t fly anywhere making it a really excellent tent for bad weather.
I can’t help but feel gobsmacked at just how much interior space it provides. When the weather is good, I recommend removing the fly and keep the mesh roof exposed. The tent will feel airy and even bigger.
NTK Arizona GT Sport Review
Specs
With a capacity of nine to 10 people, the GT Sport tent measures 8.4 by 17.39 feet and has a 6.2-foot ceiling. It consists of polyester and polyurethane with a 2,500mm waterproof coating, making it suitable as a three-season tent. It weighs a mere 26.46 pounds, making it exceptionally portable.
The Verdict
Having two rooms is a fantastic feature when traveling with children, and the Arizona GT Sport keeps it optional. Included is a detachable room divider, turning the spacious 17.39-foot tent into a two-room accommodation.
The room divider is amazing. It includes a zipper down the middle to increase the space during the day, or as needed. Then, when you need privacy, or if someone’s a snorer — we all have one — you close it up.
I appreciate how roomy the interior feels. There are two doors and three windows that really help to open up the space during daylight hours. Around the tent are also large vents, covered with fine mesh — these allow for gentle ventilation on hot days.
For the outer tent material, NTK Arizona utilized polyurethane laminated polyester, which is fully waterproof. The seams are heat-welded polyurethane, sealed with a UV protectant. The tent will stand up well during both the summer and rainy fall.
There’s also no worries if you decide to camp out in mosquito-land. Running around the interior is a breathable ultra-thin polyester no-see-um mesh. This will prevent access to even the tiniest insects.
Keeping your gear and feet safe from saturated grounds, you have a heavy-duty, anti-fungus polyethylene floor. It’s a bathtub-style construction, so you don’t have to bring along any other flooring.
In Summary
If you choose a tent with two rooms, it’s essential that it’s spacious; otherwise, you may feel claustrophobic. Fortunately, the GT Sport Tent has a roomy interior with windows, vents and doors. This makes it the best option for a two-room family tent.
With its weatherproof materials, it’s definitely a worthy opponent on today’s list. It’s also relatively lightweight, weighing in at 26.46 pounds — it’s a featherweight compared to the Flex-Bow. This makes it much more ideal if you’re going to travel on foot between the car park and camping ground.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent Review
Specs
Measuring 7.6 by 8.6 feet with a 4.3-foot ceiling, the Lynx tent is suitable for four people. It weighs approximately 7.9 pounds and includes a 75D 185T polyester rain fly and floor.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for something light and easy to transport, I highly recommend the Lynx 4 tent. Although it’s not fit for the Brady Bunch, it can comfortably accommodate two adults and two children.
It’s an excellent starter tent as it’s effortless to set up, even for a tent novice. Its freestanding design allows you to get it ready in minutes. There are only two aluminum poles to get up and then attach the rain fly for weather protection.
On sunny days, the tent is open and airy — it features mesh windows all around, bringing in daylight and fresh air. If the weather should turn, you can cover the tent with the polyester rainfly that’s water and UV-resistant.
The floor is durable, too — it’s a poly taffeta floor that comes with a waterproof coating. For extra protection in all the nooks and crevices, ALPS Mountaineering factory-sealed the seams all around.
You’ll also have ample extra features, such as storage pockets, two doorways, a gear loft and sturdy zippers.
In Summary
I couldn’t find a better 4 person tent that’s spacious enough to house a family. Of course, it’s not the biggest, but there’s ample room for a round of UNO on a rainy day.
It’s very light, one of the smallest on the list, weighing in at 7.9 pounds. It rolls up quickly and will easily fit in a bag. That’s not to mention how straightforward it is to get ready at the campsite. I must say that, for the price, you get an amazing tent.
CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent Review
Specs
The Core Instant Cabin Tent can hold up to nine people. It has a tall ceiling of 6.5 feet and measures 14 by 9 feet in size. It weighs approximately 30.5 pounds and comes with a carry bag. It easily fits a couple of queen size mattresses.
The exterior consists of 68D polyester, and the seams are heat-sealed for a watertight finish.
The Verdict
If you want a family-sized tent that’s effortless to set up, I highly recommend the Core Instant Cabin Tent. It comes with pre-attached telescoping poles that pop easily into place, holding the tent up. The manufacturer boasts that it only takes a few steps for one person.
Although it’s easy to set up, it isn’t fragile. The 68D polyester is dense and will prevent moisture from seeping in, while also protecting you from harsh winds. For additional protection, Core sealed the seams with H2O Block Technology, keeping all the water outside.
However, for the sunny days, I suggest that you remove the outer cover and enjoy the mesh ceiling. It’s also fantastic for stargazing during a clear night.
Besides the instant setup design, the other star feature is the advanced ventilation system. Near the floor, vents work to draw in cool air from the ground. As it circulates the tent, it presses out the warm air through the mesh ceiling. If you camp during cold months, you can close them to preserve the heat inside.
The tent opens up fully, but when you want some more privacy, you can attach the room divider.
In Summary
It’s by far one of the easiest to assemble. The system Core included makes the process effortless, and one person can easily do it alone. That, along with durable materials, makes it one of the best family tents for bad weather.
With its roomy interior, you can fit two queen-sized air beds or nine sleeping bags.
Coleman Sundome Review
Specs
The Sundome measures 10 by 10 feet and has a center height of 6 feet. It’s suitable for up to six adults or a large family.
Making up this dome tent is a durable, coated polyester fly and WeatherTech seams. It’s available in two colors — green and blue, and you can also choose between four sizes, ranging from two-person to a six-person option.
The Verdict
Staying dry is a top priority when on a camping trip— it’s no fun waking up to water dripping on your face. The Coleman Sundome Tent includes a patented WeatherTec system, which consists of welded 1000D polyethylene floors and inverted seams. This will keep all water and moisture out.
To make the tent comfortable in the summer, there are vents near the floor, bringing in cool ground air. The large windows reinforce this on the particularly hot days — you remove the rain fly to expose the mesh.
The interior is fantastic. There’s ample room for a family to enjoy their time without rubbing elbows. With a 6-foot ceiling, it’s also comfortable to stand.
One of my favorite details is how easy it is to set up. It’s a snag-free, continuous pole design. Because it’s freestanding, the poles are already inserted into their sleeves and will expand the tent once you’ve found your spot. Coleman stresses that it takes less than ten minutes.
Although it has a free-standing design, it won’t tip over in windy conditions. The Insta-Clip pole attachments can stand up against winds effortlessly.
By now, you’re probably well aware of how much I appreciate storage space, and Coleman doesn’t disappoint me. You’ll find large pockets to keep your equipment organized.
In Summary
All in all, we’re huge fans of Coleman, and this tent is amazing. Not only is it waterproof from the top, but the thick, bathtub-style floor ensures that your toes will stay dry.
Besides the outstanding exterior, the interior is comfortable and spacious. With a high ceiling and large floor, you can fit up to two queen-sized air beds.
This amazing tent is also easy on the pocket, despite all the extra features you’ll get. There are storage pockets as well as an E-port for electrical cords. And lastly, it comes with a one-year limited warranty.
ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek Tent Review
Specs
The Camp Creek Tent from ALPS Mountaineering measures 7.6 by 8.6 feet and has a total height of 7 feet. It’s a 4 person tent with a total inside area of 64 square feet. And with a weight of 20 pounds, it’s relatively light.
It has factory sealed seams, topped with a 75D 185T polyester fly, finished with a 1,500 mm coating. The floor is a thick 150D Oxford polyester, also with a 1500 mm layer.
The Verdict
With a 7-foot ceiling, the Camp Creek Tent is one of the tallest on my list. The interior is vast, with plenty of room for a family of four.
A significant contributor to the size of the interior is the straight walls. Because they don’t slant toward the top, you’ll gain a few extra inches all around, as well as a more even ceiling. This allows more room for cots and even a queen-sized air bed. On the inside, you’ll also have mesh pockets and a storage shelf for all your camping gear.
For when the weather turns, you can set up the weatherproof fly, which adds a large awning to the door and back window. It’s a completely waterproof tent and will direct the water downwards to the ground, instead.
Setting up is straightforward, too. It comes with hub design and pole clips that easily attach to the fiberglass poles. Because of the lightness, it’s also a breeze to take down, wrap it up and transport back to the car.
In Summary
If you want a tall ceiling, this might be one of the best tents to choose from — its vertical wall design increases the interior space a few inches.
The weatherproof fly and waterproof floor will keep your family safe in almost any weather. And with its lightness, I can’t say much that’s bad about it.
Finding the Best Family Tents for Bad Weather
Choosing the best tent for your family is no light task — you want to ensure everyone stays comfortable and safe. Here are some tips that may help:
- Size and capacity.
- Material and flooring.
- Weight.
- Setup time.
- Ventilation.
Size and Capacity
Believe it or not, I find that size is often the most overlooked point when choosing a family tent. This is usually due to the words “family tent” making us automatically think it’s sufficient. Because of this, I can’t stress enough the importance of looking at the specs.
It really depends on your preferences, though. You could be a family of three who needs a two-room tent, or a family of five that could easily do with a 4 person tent.
When debating how much room you need, consider if you’re using sleeping bags or cots, how much camping gear you’re bringing and where to place it. On top of this, consider how much privacy mom and dad or teenage kids need.
Material and Flooring
The most common materials you’ll see are polyester and nylon, both of which are great for a wind resistant tent. However, for water-resistance, I recommend quality polyester, which is what my recommended tents have.
Avoid going for anything lower than 75D polyester for density. Took a thick a material can create a stuffing atmosphere — not ideal in summer, although ventilation can alleviate this.
For the floor, most weatherproof tents use a thick polyethylene material, which is almost like bathtub-style. This should be sufficient, but you can always use a tarp underneath, just in case.
Weight
What weight to aim for depends on how you’re traveling. Some family tents can weigh over 70 pounds, which isn’t ideal if you’re going on foot. Carrying a heavy bag can cause wear on your back. If you’re driving to your campsite, however, the weight may not be a big deal.
You’d obviously expect a 6 person tent to be lighter than an 8-person tent.
Quick Setup Time
Regardless of whether you’re a tent newbie or a seasoned pro, we all want a tent that’s fast to set up. The best answer here is to go with a freestanding design. This is where the poles are pre-attached, so all you do is extend them, and the tent is up. Don’t forget to put the guy ropes in! (The time it takes to set the guy ropes is often not included in the “setup time” as defined by the various marketing departments).
Freestanding tents are also getting more resilient to bad weather conditions. New designs allow them to withstand harsh winds and heavy rain, which is what you want on a camping trip.
Ventilation
Although ventilation isn’t a deal-breaker for a lousy weather tent, it’s still essential to look for. Not all days are cold and windy on bad weather trips, so a tent without ventilation becomes an oven, which could lead to heatstroke.
Many tents, like those from Core and ALPS Mountaineering, have begun to include specialized vent systems. They’ve included openings near the ground where cool air can enter and circulate the space. Just ensure that there’s a way to seal them for the cold days.
Conclusion
Investing in the best family tents for bad weather is an assurance that you’ll be ready for whatever mother nature throws at you. Today’s clear winner is the Flex-Bow Tent by Kodiak Canvas — it’s four-season and incredibly durable. My runner up is the NTK Arizona GT Sport Camping Tent, which offers two rooms and outstanding weatherproofing.
During your search, make sure you consider the size you need and how much it should weigh. Then, research the materials used to ensure the tent is weatherproof — I recommend polyester. Choose one that’s easy to set up, and that can serve you through any season — features that my top choice has nailed!
